Report: Obama Signs Secret Order Extending U.S. Combat Role In Afghanistan

"The New York Times" reports that U.S. President Barack Obama has extended the combat role for U.S. troops in Afghanistan by another year in a classified order he signed in recent weeks.

Obama previously said U.S.-led NATO combat operations in Afghanistan would finish by the end of 2014.

NATO's follow up mission, beginning January 1, includes 9,800 U.S. troops and 3,000 from Germany, Italy, and other NATO countries.

Its initial intention was to focus on supporting Afghan forces.

But "The New York Times" reported on November 22 that Obama's order authorizes U.S. troops to continue combat against militants in Afghanistan, including the Taliban, if they threaten U.S. forces or the Afghan government.

It also allows for U.S. air support during Afghan combat missions.

The Associated Press (AP) news agency says U.S. officials confirmed details of the report on condition of anonymity.